Abstract: Mesh node modules are associated with movable and fixed items in a building such as a grocery store or factory floor to maintain a database of the locations of those items as they are processed through the establishment. The items form a mesh network and relay location information through access points, when in range, to control/monitoring computers.

Abstract: Mesh node modules are associated with pet carriers and companion nodes can dynamically form a mesh network which uploads location information of the nodes and in some cases additional information, e.g., temperature or pet physical parameter signals, to a network. The information may be downloaded to an owner's CE device.

Abstract: Mesh node modules are associated with vehicles and companion nodes can dynamically form a mesh network which uploads location information of the nodes and in some cases additional information, e.g., road condition or proximity to objects.

Abstract: A method for detecting electrically conductive targets in soil including the steps of: generating a transmit magnetic field for transmission into the soil based on a transmit signal; receiving a receive magnetic field; providing a receive signal induced by the receive magnetic field; selecting at least two models, each approximating a form of a signal due to a different type of source; processing the receive signal using the at least two models to produce at least two independent signals, each representing a component of the receive signal due to a different type of source; and producing, based on at least two independent signals, an indicator output signal indicative of the presence of the electrically conductive target.

Abstract: An insulated decorated drinking vessel comprising an inner vessel located within an outer vessel and a decorative insert located in an annular space between the inner and outer vessel. The annular space includes a first stop member projecting therein and a second stop member projecting therein. The decorative insert is a curved member having a top edge portion from which a first and second tabs project. The first tab is arranged to engage the first stop member on one side of the first stop member and the second tab is arranged to engage the second stop member on a corresponding side of the second stop member, whereupon the decorative insert is held in place within the annular space and precluded from rotating therein.

Abstract: In a multi-speaker audio system for, e.g., a home entertainment system or other entertainment system, each networked-speaker (wired or wireless) is activated or deactivated as appropriate such that audio play follows a user as the user moves around the home.

Abstract: The invention provides a canister used for food product such as coffee and a packaging system comprising the same. At least 50% of the surface area of the canister sidewall is flat except it is deviated with 1-4 concaved grooves. The canister is made of a polymeric material at a usage of no more than 1.0 grams per cubic inch of the volume of the canister. When sealed, the canister can maintain its shape under a top load of at least 2.0 pounds per cubic inch of its volume and a vacuum pressure of at least 18 kPa caused by higher external pressure compared to internal pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the tribocharging properties of bulk granular materials and powders. A test sample of bulk material is put in contact with a surface of contact material moving in a circular path relative to the test sample under controlled speed and time and the amount of charge generated on the surface of the test sample is measured. Optionally, the friction between the contact surface and the test sample can also be measured. Using this method, many variables that relate to the tribocharging of granular materials can be studied including contact speed between the contact surface and material, contact time between the contact surface and material, pressure between the contact surface and material, and friction between the contact surface and material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for differential voltage grid-based moisture monitoring of structures is provided. The method involves detecting a defect in a structural component, the structural component comprising a membrane for fluid impermeability, a deck for supporting the membrane, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements adjacent the membrane and electrically insulated from each other, by sensing the potential difference between a first element of the plurality of elements and a second element of the plurality of elements separated from the first element when there is an electrical potential between the deck and an electrically conductive fluid in contact with the first and second elements. The apparatus includes a switching circuit for connecting a voltage measuring circuit to the first and second elements, the voltage measuring circuit being operable to sense the potential difference between the first and second elements.

Abstract: In a multi-speaker audio system for, e.g., a home entertainment system or other entertainment system, each networked-speaker (wired or wireless) is activated or deactivated as appropriate such that audio play follows a user as the user moves around the home.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the operations of fluid systems are provided. For example, this document provides pressure differential relief valves that are well suited for use with medical fluid reservoirs. The pressure differential relief valves provided herein are described in the context of a medical fluid system, such as an extracorporeal blood flow circuit, but the devices and methods provided herein can be implemented in other types of fluid systems including, but not limited to, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, fluid power systems, petroleum systems, and various other types of gaseous or liquid-based fluid systems.

Abstract: A networked-speaker system which includes noise cancelling for active suppression of unwanted sounds. Feed-forward or feed-back cancelation can be used as appropriate for the location of the microphone sensing the noise.

Abstract: A speaker system comprised of more than one speaker, which utilizes the known characteristics and location of each speaker to enhance low frequency (low (bass) frequency) performance of the system.

Abstract: In a multi-speaker audio system for, e.g., a home entertainment system or other entertainment system, each networked-speaker (wired or wireless) can be assigned a particular voice, instrument, group of voices and/or instruments, or a particular stage location of a performance to reproduce a more realistic and life-like audio experience.

Abstract: In an audio speaker network, the individual speakers of the network have lamps on them that are controlled to present a light show in synchrony with the audio being played by the system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a shoe sole material with a high wear resistance and the method of manufacturing the sole material. The disclosed shoe sole composition includes nano-diamond produced by the shock wave method as an inorganic reinforcing filler. The inclusion of nano-diamond as a reinforcing filler increases the life of the shoe sole while reducing the total weight of the shoe. Other reinforcing inorganic fillers such as black carbon, silicon carbide, alumina, etc., can be used in the shoe sole rubber composition in addition to nano-diamond.

Abstract: A user is guided through various setup routines to optimize speaker parameters and/or positions and/or frequency assignations for the particular space in which the speaker system is located and intended to be used. This can be done using an application downloaded from a cloud server to a smart phone or tablet computer, which is then employed by the user to optimize speaker configurations for various speaker locations in the room.

Abstract: In an audio speaker network, setup of speaker location, sound track or channel assignation, and speaker parameters is facilitated by an application detecting speaker locations and prompting a user to input rough room boundaries and a desired listener location in the room. Based on this, optimum speaker locations/frequency assignations/speaker parameters may be determined and output.